The 16th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Russia, India, and China (RIC) was recently held in Zhejiang, China on February 27, 2019. This conference holds significant importance as these three nations possess substantial influence in international politics and have the potential to considerably dictate the direction of global events.
RIC’s Commitment to Multilateralism
At the meeting, the joint communique of the RIC asserted its commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The countries called for an extensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council. Their goal is to make it more representative, efficient, and effective which can be achieved by increasing representation from developing nations to better respond to global challenges.
RIC’s Acknowledgement of Other International Mechanisms
During this summit, the RIC recognised the importance of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as influential and effective mechanisms for promoting multilateral diplomacy. Furthermore, the RIC reiterated the significance of various regional forums and organisations like the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), and the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD).
RIC’s Stance Against Terrorism
In a bold move, the RIC community strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They also expressed their support for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). Further, they called for the implementation of relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions against terrorism. The RIC stressed that those committing, instigating, inciting, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable and brought to justice.
| Organisation | Importance |
|---|---|
| BRICS | Promoting multilateral diplomacy |
| Shanghai Cooperation Organisation | Promoting multilateral diplomacy |
| East Asia Summit (EAS) | Regional cooperation in East Asia |
| ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) | Promoting peace and stability in the region |
RIC’s Call for Peace and Diplomatic Solutions
The RIC also advocated for peace in Afghanistan through an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process. It welcomed the significant and positive changes in Korean Peninsula and supported the Iran-Nuclear Deal. In addressing the Palestinian issue, they supported a two-state solution. The ministers also called for diplomatic and political solutions to the crises occurring in Yemen, Syria, and Venezuela.
The 16th RIC meeting was a significant event where critical global issues were addressed. The commitment of Russia, India, and China to combat terrorism, promote multilateralism and seek peaceful solutions to global conflicts, is a testament to their influence in shaping world events.